What to Do If Your Furnace Won’t Turn On: A Town Oil Guide for Hartford, CT Area Homeowners
There’s nothing more frustrating during a cold New England winter than discovering your furnace won’t turn on. Whether it’s the first cold snap of the season or an unexpected issue in the middle of January, it almost always causes you immediate stress. But before you panic or start googling "furnace repair near me," there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem yourself.
Town Oil has helped Hartford-area homeowners stay warm since 1963. We understand how important reliable heat is; below, we’ll walk you through the basics of furnace troubleshooting and help you know when it’s time to call our pros for furnace repair.
Step 1: Check the Thermostat
It may seem obvious, but one of the most common reasons a furnace won’t turn on is due to thermostat issues. Your thermostat is the command center of your home’s heating and central air conditioning units, and if it isn’t set correctly, your furnace won’t know it needs to work.
Here’s what to check:
- Power Source: If your thermostat is battery-powered, try replacing the batteries.
- Settings: Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature.
- Wiring or Programming Errors: If your thermostat is digital or smart, make sure the schedule or manual override settings aren’t interfering.
If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t help and the display seems off, there may be a wiring or sensor issue that needs attention from a professional HVAC technician.
Step 2: Inspect the Furnace Switch and Breaker
If the thermostat seems fine but the furnace still won’t turn on, the next thing to check is the power
Furnace Switch
Most furnaces have a power switch nearby that looks like a standard light switch. It can sometimes be accidentally turned off. Make sure it’s flipped ON.
Circuit Breaker
Go to your electrical panel and see if the furnace breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it once. If it trips again quickly, don’t force it. Repeated tripping could indicate a deeper electrical issue that needs a licensed technician.
If you're in the Hartford area and unsure about your electrical setup, give Town Oil a call. Our local HVAC company can safely diagnose the issue.
Step 3: Change or Check the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause your furnace to shut down or not start at all. This is a built-in safety feature in many models to prevent overheating.
Locate your furnace filter, usually in the return air duct or inside the furnace cabinet. Hold it up to the light; if you can’t see through it, it’s too dirty and you’ve got a clogged filter. Replace it with a new one that matches the size and type recommended for your furnace.
We recommend checking your filter monthly during heating season. This will help prevent breakdowns, improve air quality, and boost system efficiency.
Step 4: Look for a Pilot Light or Ignition Problem
If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, the issue might be that the pilot has gone out. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it, or consult a professional if you're unsure.
Newer furnaces typically use electronic ignition systems. If your furnace clicks but doesn’t ignite, it could be a faulty igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve. These HVAC system components require professional furnace repair.
Gas-related problems should never be taken lightly. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave your home immediately and call your gas company before contacting a technician.
Step 5: Check the Furnace Door and Safety Switches
Many furnaces have built-in safety switches that prevent operation if the access panel is removed or not closed properly. If you recently checked inside the unit and didn’t snap the door back in place, that could be the issue.
Also, some models have safety features like limit switches or pressure switches that will disable the system if something is wrong, like overheating or a blocked flue.
If your furnace has safety lockouts, you may need to reset it—but only once. Repeated resets are a sign that something is wrong and needs diagnosis by a qualified HVAC contractor.
Step 6: Is the Furnace Getting Fuel?
Whether your system runs on heating oil or natural gas, it needs a steady supply of fuel. If your furnace won’t turn on, it might simply be out of oil, or there’s a disruption in the gas line.
- Heating Oil Customers: Check your oil tank gauge. If it’s below 1/4 full, your furnace may not be receiving fuel, and it’s time for a delivery.
- Gas Furnaces: Make sure the gas valve near the furnace is in the open position. If your utility has performed maintenance or you’ve had other work done, the gas supply may have been interrupted.
Automatic delivery customers at Town Oil rarely run into this issue, but if something changes in your home usage, let us know. Town Oil offers heating oil delivery in the Hartford area and can often get you fueled up the same day.
When to Call a Professional
While it’s good to understand the basics of furnace troubleshooting, sometimes the safest and most efficient solution is to call a professional.
Call Town Oil if:
- Your furnace repeatedly shuts off or won’t stay on.
- You suspect a gas leak or smell gas.
- The igniter clicks but the furnace won’t light.
- You’ve checked the basics and nothing’s working.
- You haven’t had your furnace professionally serviced in the last year.
With over 60 years of experience, Town Oil is proud to provide fast, honest, and local furnace repair near you. We serve homeowners throughout Wethersfield, Glastonbury, Newington, Windsor, and the surrounding communities with expert service and transparent communication.
Our HVAC repair technicians service all major heating system brands. We never pressure you into a replacement you don’t need. We explain the situation in plain language, walk through your options, and help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Whether your system needs a small repair, routine maintenance, or a complete HVAC installation, we’ll be there when you need us.
Prevent Future Issues: Schedule Annual Maintenance
The best way to avoid waking up cold and discovering your furnace won’t turn on is by investing in annual maintenance. Our furnace maintenance tune ups help catch small problems before they become big ones; you’ll save time, money, and headaches down the road.
We recommend scheduling a tune up every fall, ideally before you turn your heat on for the first time. Our maintenance visits include:
- Cleaning burners and components
- Checking safety controls
- Testing efficiency and airflow
- Inspecting for wear and tear
When Your Furnace Won’t Turn On, We’re Just a Call Away
A furnace that won’t start affects your family’s comfort and safety. While some issues can be solved with simple furnace troubleshooting, others require professional attention.
If your
furnace won’t turn on, and you live in the Hartford area, call the experts your neighbors have trusted since 1963: Town Oil. Call today or contact us online to schedule your Hartford, CT, furnace repair. We’ll restore comfort to your home quickly and professionally.